Presented
at the Analog and Mixed-Signal Applications Conference - July 1998

Dr. Edward P. Sayre, P.E.
Mr. Michael Baxter
Dr. Jinhua Chen

Abstract

The paper will deal with a technology survey useful in
the design of Gigabit interconnect systems. It will discuss the theoretical
and practical conditions that should be considered in the specification and
design of PCB etch and measuring and evaluating PHY (SERDES) Gigabit
transceiver devices. The paper also considers the problems with specifying
and insuring performance of connector systems that are critical to SONET
and Fibre Gigabit interconnects. Lastly, the paper discusses the benefits
and design of equalized differential Fibre Channel copper cabling.

Each of the major technologies are investigated with experimental data
illustrating eye-diagram performance, voltage vs. time of the digital
signal as well as the equivalent SPICE analog network simulations. By
taking a fundamental engineering approach to the problems of designing in
the Gigabit regime, it is possible to separate physical effects such as
skin effect losses, dielectric losses, reflection effects, AC and DC
terminations for differential systems. Examination of skew between pairs
permits an assessment of the EMI potential of Gigabit transmissions,
especially over long cables (>20 meters)..

Command of these technologies is the major risk reducing elements in the
design of Gigabit links. Investigations based on the fundamentals offer the
designer a thorough understanding of the design trade-offs built on analog
and microwave simulation principles. The system signal integrity engineer
can, with the proper knowledge base and tools, predict the performance and
avoid the pitfalls in Gigabit system design.

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